Cost of Living: Pasadena, CA vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Pasadena is 120% more expensive than Wilmington.

$2,218/mo ↑ 69%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 41%
$103,778/yr ↑ 62%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 38%
$1,045,000 ↑ 198%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 66%
$2,340/mo ↑ 71%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 41%
136,462
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $907/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $10,884/year.

Median household income is $39,878/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Pasadena or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Wilmington?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $907/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Wilmington?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $39,878/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between California and North Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Pasadena or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Pasadena details → View Wilmington details →

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